Key moments

Andy Schleck made the difference in the last 20 kilometres and eventually won the race on his own. Rodriguez comes second and Rebellin third.

Early trio<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

In spite of a few shy attacks, the bunch remains packed until Gautier (BBO), Wyss (CTT) and Sijmens (COF) attack in the Cote de Ny. The three men pass together at the top with a 25 second advantage on the bunch. In the Cote de la Roche en <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Ardennes, the break away still holds a 50’’ gap on Dupont and 1’50 on the bunch. Step by step, Dupont gets closer to the leaders and eventually catches them exiting La Roche en Ardennes.

The great chase

At the top of the Côte de Saint-Roch, Gautier passes ahead of Wyss and Dupont, while the bunch rides 9’ behind. The gap rises up to 11’10 just before the Côte de Wanne. Then, the bunch speeds up. At the top, Gautier makes it again ahead of Wyss and Dupont. Their advantage drops down to 7’15, 5’50 at the Cote de Stockeu and 4’40 right after the Haute Levee. The chasers maintain a high pace 4’ behind the leaders as they climb the Cote du Rosier. The break away try and resist. But, in spite of these efforts, the bunch gets closer and closer, led by the Rabobank and Caisse d’Epargne teams. At the Cote de la Vecquée, Gautier is still in the lead but the bunch is only 1’30 adrift.

Gilbert lights the fire

Then Sorensen takes his chance ahead of the bunch before the break away is caught. Six riders jump in the lead. In vain. Eventually, Gilbert blasts the pack. With 25 kilometres to go, he rides alone with a tiny 25’’ advantage on the pack. But in the Cote de la Roche aux Faucons, A. Schleck catches him up and keeps on on his own. Behind, Rebellin, controlled by F. Schleck fails in coming back on the leaders.

Schleck, the boss

15 kilometres to the line. The favourites react all together. 21 riders with Valverde, rebellin, Cunego, Evans and Gesink get closer. Rodriguez manages to jump in the lead of this chasing group and make a little difference. But Schleck resist and even increases his advantage. He climbs the Cote de Saint Nicolas with more than 1’ on his direct chasers. He eventually wins on his own, whereas Rodriguez comes second and Rebellin third, ahead of the main pack.

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